is, at the very core, the study of Cancer and the doctor who specializes in cancer Treatment is called an oncologist. There are three main types of oncologists - medical, surgical and radiation. All three work in co-ordination to treat cancer. The medical oncologist specializes in treating patients with chemotherapy and other drugs to kill the cancer cells and prevent them from diving and spreading to other parts. A surgical oncologist specializes in removing the tumor and the surrounding tissue by operating on it. They also perform biopsies. A radiation oncologist treats cancer with radiation therapy.
What is the role of an oncologist?
The role of an oncologist is to provide complete care for the patient right from diagnosis to treatment. He offers consultation, answers queries and provides the complete path for the treatment of cancer.
Diagnosis
The first and foremost responsibility is to accurately diagnose cancer. They type of cancer and the extent of its proliferation is analyzed by an oncologist. This means that at they get involved in the treatment of a patient at the very initial stage.
Consultation
You can talk to your doctor about any doubts or any information that you need. It is your right to know what the doctor has diagnosed and what your treatment options will be. You can also ask questions and understand all the available facilities your have for dealing with cancer. The doctor will tell you where the cancer is located and how it is affecting other parts of the body.
Treatment options
The oncologist also explains all the available treatment options and recommends the right course of action. There will be various tests and your doctor will make sure that you understand the results and are prepared for treatment. He will also inform you about the side effects and help you overcome them.
Compassionate care
The main role of any doctor /surgeon in any treatment is compassionate care. Helping restore a patient's quality of life to the maximum is what they aim for.
Cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals that includes a pathologist, a diagnostic radiologist, a surgeon and a nurse. Well, dermatologist and other specialists may be required according to the type of cancer being treated. Cancer treatment is a specialist job and requires a lot of care. Choosing the right hospital for treatment and surgery is what will ensure that your treatment is expertly handled. Make sure that you understand all the criteria and all your options and select the right hospital for this!
